Totally non-Disney NYC cab question for you

[disneysteve]

We go to NYC periodically but we always either walk or take the subway to get around. We're going up next weekend and will probably be taking a taxi at least once. What's the basic deal there? Do we need cash or is a credit card okay? How do tips work? What's an acceptable amount/percent to tip? There will be 3 of us if that matters.

 

[ninecrayons]

As of late, every one I've been in takes credit cards. They have an option to add the tip to the card.

You can also use Uber, which can be easier if you're out of the midtownish area.

 

[disneysteve]

As of late, every one I've been in takes credit cards. They have an option to add the tip to the card.

You can also use Uber, which can be easier if you're out of the midtownish area.

I always carry cash so it isn't an issue either way. It's just easier to swipe a card. What's the appropriate tip amount?

We will be in midtown so I'm not going to bother with Uber. Plus we may be short on time so easier to hop in a cab in front of our hotel.

 

[wilkeliza]

Credit cards are okay. Tip really depends on you. If you are using credit card it will offer 20%, 25%, 30%, and Other as options. Personally I find 20% high depending on the length of trip, friendliness of driver, and driving safety. I usually just grumble and hit 20% if I'm in a rush.

If I'm paying in cash I just add a dollar or two more on a shortish trip often just giving the next higher bill and saying no change.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

They take both.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

For long trips I've been taking Via and just using yellow cabs for short/neighborhood rides.

 

[Aerin75]

Credit cards are okay. Tip really depends on you. If you are using credit card it will offer 20%, 25%, 30%, and Other as options.

This was what we did on our vacation there

 

[dina444444]

All NYC cabs take credit cards. I usually tip at 15% in a cab. I recommend using uber though if you are trying to catch a cab during shift change of rush hour though.

 

[Princess Jes]

We will be uber-ing where possible, especially at Disney.

Well also use the subway, but sometimes I can't be bothered with trains

 

[Aerin75]

We will be uber-ing where possible, especially at Disney.

Well also use the subway, but sometimes I can't be bothered with trains

I think the subway might be a rite of passage type thing. I think my kiddo was treated to a performance on the train when she was riding with a family friend (as Mom and Dad had a nice dinner sans short stuff ).

 

[disneysteve]

Well also use the subway, but sometimes I can't be bothered with trains

I think the subway might be a rite of passage type thing.

We use the subway regularly. I've got no problem with that. And we walk everywhere, but I'm expecting it will be too hot and humid so I figured we'd grab a cab.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We will be uber-ing where possible, especially at Disney.

Well also use the subway, but sometimes I can't be bothered with trains

I generally use the Subway as well but find in Manhattan the lines largely run North and South so if you need to get East or West (or diagonal) it can sometimes be time consuming

 

[SarahDisney]

I generally use the Subway as well but find in Manhattan the lines largely run North and South so if you need to get East or West (or diagonal) it can sometimes be time consuming

This is very true. There are buses that run east/west, but they are often S-L-O-W (although the M34 Select Bus Service on 34th Street might not be too bad since it has dedicated lanes, but I've never taken it so I don't know for sure).

 

[Accident]

We go to NYC periodically but we always either walk or take the subway to get around. We're going up next weekend and will probably be taking a taxi at least once. What's the basic deal there? Do we need cash or is a credit card okay? How do tips work? What's an acceptable amount/percent to tip? There will be 3 of us if that matters.

you can use a credit card, however that only works if the cabs credit card machine is functional so have a cash backup.. i've only needed the cash once but your in a rough spot if they didn't warn you before starting the trip that it's broken and don't have cash.

I used to live in ubers there and 2 months ago when I was there the prices were insane, they were giving me horrible ratings and clicking every option to get them more money like I was a threat to other drivers. Actually took some time to clean up what they did and get some money back.

 

[vicwishes]

Just a heads-up: my daughter lived in NYC for 5 years and I remember taking a taxi with her a number of times. She always used a credit card and she always told the driver which street to take to get to our destination just in case we were taken for tourists who wouldn't realize a long detour to up the cost.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Ugh i was just in nyc for 8 weeks for work and every cab i was in was awful, i much prefer uber. A fraction of the price and a much better experience. The last cab i was in had the worst road rage driver and i know he was driving me around to up the fare but i wasn't going to point it out to the psycho.

An uber would usually only take 5 minutes or less to show up.